A Tennessee bill calls for prosecuting mothers who harm or make their babies addicted to illegal drugs during pregnancy.The proposed law, introduced last week, would authorize a woman to be prosecuted for assault based on the person using a narcotic drug illegally while pregnant, if the child is born addicted to or harmed by the drug used.A defense against the charge would be allowed for a woman who was actively enrolled in an addiction recovery program before the child was born, if she remained in the program after delivery and successfully completed the program, according to the bill.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. —

A Tennessee bill calls for prosecuting mothers who harm or make their babies addicted to illegal drugs during pregnancy.

The proposed law, introduced last week, would authorize a woman to be prosecuted for assault based on the person using a narcotic drug illegally while pregnant, if the child is born addicted to or harmed by the drug used.

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A defense against the charge would be allowed for a woman who was actively enrolled in an addiction recovery program before the child was born, if she remained in the program after delivery and successfully completed the program, according to the bill.